Facing the couple who had been her parents for two lifetimes, it would be a lie to say Ning Yunhuan felt no emotion. Though Ning Yuncheng in the previous life had wronged her, her father had actually always been kind to her. While Madam Ning certainly harbored the ambition of marrying her daughter off to a good family, that was merely the normal desire of a mother. Most importantly, the former Ning Yunhuan had never opposed this thought; instead, she had vaguely acquiesced to avoid her tragic supporting-female role ending. This acquiescence was precisely what fostered Madam Ning’s ideas. Had she objected, Father Ning would certainly not have forced her hand.

“Mama, don’t worry, I’m grown up now, of course I can take care of myself. But why haven’t I seen Eldest Brother?” Ning Yunhuan first soothed Madam Ning, then casually brought up Ning Yuncheng, “Didn’t I see Eldest Brother this afternoon?”

Hearing this, Madam Ning indeed stopped inquiring about how Ning Yunhuan was adjusting to school, instead knitting her brows. Father Ning’s expression turned rather grim, and he said coldly, “He came back?”

“Doesn’t Father know?” Although Ning Yunhuan had used the threat of reporting him to Father Ning to intimidate Ning Yuncheng that afternoon, she hadn't guaranteed she wouldn't mention him bringing women home for debauchery. For anyone else, she might have left a sliver of leeway for future encounters, but for Ning Yuncheng, she felt merely kicking him when he was down wasn't enough. How could she cover for him? After a pause, her face flushed in feigned embarrassment, and she continued, “This afternoon, when I came back, I saw Eldest Brother bring a woman home. On the sofa…”

She trailed off, but Father Ning immediately understood the implication of her words. He froze for a moment, then his face cycled through shades of green and white, his chest heaving uncontrollably. Madam Ning’s expression was equally dreadful. Both parents knew Ning Yuncheng’s character well, so they could easily imagine what Ning Yunhuan had left unsaid. Father Ning was furious, shouting immediately, “Call that little beast! It’s bad enough he messes around all day, but he dares bring someone home! Tell him to get over here right now!”

“Try to calm down first.” Madam Ning also felt a headache coming on. This eldest son’s philandering nature wouldn't change, yet he showed no intention of marrying. But he was her son after all. Since Father Ning was enraged, she naturally couldn't pour oil on the fire like Ning Yunhuan was doing. She could only comfort her husband a few times before quickly getting up to make the call.

Ning Yunhuan had anticipated this situation long ago. She swiftly and obediently ran to Father Ning’s side to massage his shoulders. “Father, maybe Eldest Brother didn’t mean it. I thought that woman worked for our company; I might be mistaken. Perhaps he just needed to have a heart-to-heart with an employee under his banner!” Ning Yunhuan unhesitatingly added a few more embellishments, making Father Ning even more beside himself with rage. While consoling himself that he still had one obedient daughter, he couldn't hold back. As Madam Ning answered the phone, he immediately lunged over, snatched the receiver, and unleashed a volley of curses!

Even though she didn't witness Ning Yuncheng’s misfortune firsthand at this moment, Ning Yunhuan knew his expression must be terrible. The thought that he was unhappy made Ning Yunhuan feel a little better! This was only the beginning. In the future, she would continue to heap trouble upon Ning Yuncheng. Any chance she got, she would make his life difficult, to vent the hatred in her heart! If Ning Yuncheng still expected to deceive her as he did in the past, then he was mistaken—she would repay him in kind!

As soon as they finished eating, they saw a crestfallen Ning Yuncheng shuffle in, his usually tall frame hunched over, making him look significantly shorter. Ning Yuncheng stood at 1.82 meters, and his slender build usually made him appear even taller than his actual height. He was originally considered handsomely dashing, but Ning Yunhuan, having seen Lan Lingyan, felt that Lan Jiu not only stood a full head taller but was also far superior in looks. Now, no matter how she looked at Ning Yuncheng, she found him unimpressive, especially seeing his sullen face and the resentful glare he shot her way. Ning Yunhuan only felt more delighted in his misery, flashing him a cold smirk before turning away.

“You unfilial son! Are you trying to anger me to death!” Father Ning didn't hesitate, grabbing something in his hand and hurling it at Ning Yuncheng. Ning Yuncheng’s voice of explanation was heard alongside the sound of the object hitting the floor. Just as Ning Yunhuan was about to enjoy the show, her phone on the dining table rang.

A light and bright piano melody began to play. Father Ning paused his anger, and Ning Yuncheng involuntarily breathed a sigh of relief.

If it wasn't Lan Lingyan calling her at this hour, it could be no one else. Recently, Fu Yuan had been brooding over Ning Yunhuan getting a boyfriend and hadn't contacted her. The only people who knew her number were those few. Besides Lan Lingyan, Ning Yunhuan genuinely couldn't think of anyone else.

She had been too gleeful just moments ago. Now, hearing the ringtone, Ning Yunhuan’s expression stiffened. Father Ning glanced at her; recognizing the phone didn't belong to a family member, and assuming it was strange for her to have a new phone after being away recently, he called out, “Huanhuan, your phone is ringing.” He then started to reach for it to hand to her, but Ning Yunhuan dared not let him see it, quickly jumping up to snatch the phone.

“When did you change your phone?” Ning Yuncheng, who had just been scolded into submission, suddenly found a lifeline. His gaze shot towards Ning Yunhuan as he tried to shift the blame onto her. “When I took you shopping last time, I don’t think you were using this model. Why have you been staying out lately? Do you have a boyfriend?”

Hearing this, Ning Yunhuan felt an urge to jump up and punch him! Father Ning’s expression darkened slightly, but instead of scolding her as Ning Yuncheng expected, he softened his demeanor. “Huanhuan is sensible. It’s just that a girl is easily taken advantage of. Father doesn't object to you having a boyfriend, but you must protect yourself.” Although his tone wasn't particularly gentle, Father Ning was always a stern man, so these words clearly indicated his concern for his daughter.

Ning Yunhuan felt a pang in her heart, nodding, her eyes stinging slightly. Ning Yuncheng, however, was displeased. Why was his parents’ attitude towards him so brutal when they shared the same parents? Just as he was about to speak up, Father Ning turned his full force of criticism onto him, his brow furrowed: “You’re not young anymore. When will you settle down? All you know is chasing after women day in and day out…”

While Ning Yuncheng was being berated and couldn't lift his head, Ning Yunhuan quickly seized the still-ringing phone and hurried upstairs to answer it.